Research Shows Religion, Spirituality Improve Mental Health

Decades of data gathered in a single study released last fall shows that a relationship with God improves mental health and well-being, the study’s creators said Wednesday during the fourth annual International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C. Gallup and the Radiant Foundation sifted through decades of Gallup surveys of tens of thousands of people in 140 countries as well as more than 400 validated research studies. They found measurable proof that religion and spirituality provide positive benefits. ...But Gallup surveys show that the number of Americans who say religion is an important part of their daily lives has fallen from 59% in 1999 to 46% in 2022. So what’s going on here?